Rory McIlroy's ex-agent issues Ryder Cup verdict - 'Can't see them winning'
The Ryder Cup will be held from September 26-28 at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, and Rory McIlroy's ex-agent wholly believes in one team
Rory McIlroy's ex-agent has cast doubt on Team USA's chances of clinching the Ryder Cup. The upcoming edition of the biennial competition is set to take place from 26-28 September on American turf, at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York.
Team Europe are currently the reigning champions after their stunning 16.5-11.5 victory at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome back in 2023. McIlroy, who finally bagged the Masters this year, was the top scorer for the hosts that week with four points from five matches, while Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm both had unbeaten weeks.
This time around, the teams will be led by Englishman Luke Donald and American Keegan Bradley. Team USA are hoping to replicate the stellar performances that saw them win the Ryder Cup by a record-breaking margin in 2021.
The Americans have US Open champion JJ Spaun and Scottie Scheffler, who is widely seen as the standout player in golf today. Scheffler claimed both the PGA Championship and The Open Championship this year.
However, McIlroy's former agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler doesn't think they stand a real chance of securing three home victories on the trot, reports Belfast Live. Chandler believes Team USA only have two advantages against Europe - the crowd and world No. 1 Scheffler.
The Englishman told CasinoHawks: "I wrote down my thoughts for and against each team and for the American team were two things: the crowd and Scottie Scheffler. But Scheffler didn't actually do that good last time anyway. I remember him crying on the edge of a green.
"For Europe I had about seven pluses, including the pairings being the same and the fact that they had seven in the top three, and they're experienced. They all play in the big tournaments. They all play in America all the time. Nobody's missing out on anything.
"In a strange sort of way, there's another advantage in Tommy Fleetwood too. Fleetwood has suddenly become a world-class player in the last two months. He's had two massive disappointments and then gone and won their biggest tournament.
"I wouldn't know how that's gone down with the Americans seeing a young English lad with long hair winning their Tour Championship! He's a very popular English lad too, you know, more popular than the Americans."
Fleetwood secured his maiden PGA Tour triumph at East Lake Golf Course last month by claiming the Tour Championship and the FedExCup, thanks to his impressive consistency throughout the campaign.
He was partnered with McIlroy for the Friday and Saturday Ryder Cup foursomes in 2023, with the 'Fleetwood Mac' pairing triumphing in both their encounters. Chandler continued: "I think Europe has got more personality. They've got more fortitude. They're right on top of it. Luke Donald's been around a lot as the captain, overseeing everything.
"I'd like to ask him what his dinner plans have been for the last four months. I'll bet he's taken them all out for dinner. I'll bet he's played with most of them in a practice round or a tournament. He's a very good captain.
"I thought the body language of the Americans when they were being told they were in was interesting. There was no excitement. Very ho-hum. Ben Griffin was the only one excited. I cannot see America winning."